Liquid reclamation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/222,420, filed Sep. 8, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,568; the entirecontents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for the reclamation ofliquids and, more particularly, relates to a system and apparatus forthe collection and transportation of liquids such as engine oil andother similar fluids.

2. Background of the Related Art

In order to ensure the long life of an automobile, it is of criticalimportance that the engine oil be changed regularly. Typically, theautomobile manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000miles. Many owners utilize various service centers and pay mechanics tochange the oil for them. However, in an effort to conserve time andmoney many automobile owners change their own oil.

There are significant drawbacks, however, to changing your own oil. Mostimportantly, there is no convenient way of disposing the waste oil.Moreover, once the waste oil has been contained, it must be transportedto a recycling center in order to comply with environmental laws. Forthe average automobile owner, this is no easy task. Dealing with engineoil can be very messy. Most automobile owners do not have the propercontainers for the storage and subsequent transport of the waste oil.Thus, there remains a need for a more environmentally and user friendlyautomobile oil waste receptacle.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to improvement incurrent oil changing practices. In one preferred embodiment, an oilreclamation system is provided. The oil reclamation system includes atleast one reclamation apparatus. The reclamation apparatus includes acontainer, a portable receptacle configured to fit within the containerand dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oilchange on a vehicle and having a dispenser attached thereto, and a coverreleasably secured to the container. The portable receptacle preferablyincludes a flexible bag.

Preferably, the oil reclamation system includes first and secondreclamation apparatii connected to each other in side by side relationfor transport and/or storage. The first reclamation apparatus includesat least one attachment rail adjacent an outer wall portion of saidcontainer and the second reclamation apparatus includes at least oneattachment groove adjacent an outer wall portion of the container forreceiving the at least one attachment rail to connect the containers ofthe first and second oil reclamation apparatii. The first reclamationapparatus may further include at least one attachment groove adjacent anouter wall portion of the container and the second reclamation apparatusincludes at least one attachment rail adjacent an outer wall portion ofthe container.

The first and second reclamation apparatii may also be arranged andstored in vertical stacked relation. For example, the container of thefirst reclamation apparatii includes a recessed portion adapted toaccommodate at least the cover of the second reclamation apparatii whenin the vertical stacked relation of the first and second reclamationapparatii.

In another embodiment, an oil reclamation system includes a containerbeing expandable from a contracted transport condition to an expanded inuse condition. The container defines an internal chamber when in theexpanded condition for accommodating a volume of oil. At least onehandle is mounted to the container and is adapted to facilitatemaneuvering of the container from the contracted position to theexpanded position. A cover is releasably mounted to the container toenclose the internal chamber. The handle may be contained within theouter boundary of the container. A valve may be in fluid communicationwith the internal chamber of the container. The valve permits release ofgaseous media from the internal chamber. The container may define ahinge in an outer wall portion thereof, whereby wall portions adjacentthe hinge are adapted to pivot upon movement of the container to theexpanded condition thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, a liquid reclamation apparatus includesa container, a portable receptacle receivable within the container anddimensioned to accommodate a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oilchange on a vehicle and a cover releasably mounted to the container. Thecover is attached to the portable receptacle whereby removal of thecover from the container causes corresponding removal of the portablereceptacle. The cover is releasably mounted to the container via athreaded connection and may define a dispenser port. The portablereceptacle may include an impermeable bag.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to improvement incurrent oil changing practices. In one preferred embodiment, an oilreclamation system is provided. The oil reclamation system includes atleast one reclamation apparatus. The reclamation apparatus includes acontainer, a portable receptacle configured to fit within the containerand dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oilchange on a vehicle and having a dispenser attached thereto, and a coverreleasably secured to the container. The portable receptacle preferablyincludes a flexible bag.

Preferably, the oil reclamation system includes first and secondreclamation apparatii connected to each other in side by side relationfor transport and/or storage. The first reclamation apparatus includesat least one attachment rail adjacent an outer wall portion of saidcontainer and the second reclamation apparatus includes at least oneattachment groove adjacent an outer wall portion of the container forreceiving the at least one attachment rail to connect the containers ofthe first and second oil reclamation apparatii. The first reclamationapparatus may further include at least one attachment groove adjacent anouter wall portion of the container and the second reclamation apparatusincludes at least one attachment rail adjacent an outer wall portion ofthe container.

The first and second reclamation apparatii may also be arranged andstored in vertical stacked relation. For example, the container of thefirst reclamation apparatii includes a recessed portion adapted toaccommodate at least the cover of the second reclamation apparatii whenin the vertical stacked relation of the first and second reclamationapparatii.

The oil reclamation system may further include an expandable bladderassociated with the cover. The cover is adapted to expand from aninitial condition to an expanded condition to secure the cover to thecontainer in substantial fluid tight relation therewith. A pump may bepositioned adjacent the cover. The pump is adapted to deliver fluids tothe expandable bladder to cause expansion to the expanded conditionthereof. The pump may be a manually operated pump. A relief valve may bein fluid communication with the expandable bladder to relief pressure inthe bladder.

In another embodiment, an oil reclamation system includes a containerbeing expandable from a contracted transport condition to an expanded inuse condition. The container defines an internal chamber when in theexpanded condition for accommodating a volume of oil. At least onehandle is mounted to the container and is adapted to facilitatemaneuvering of the container from the contracted position to theexpanded position. A cover is releasably mounted to the container toenclose the internal chamber. The handle may be contained within theouter boundary of the container. A valve may be in fluid communicationwith the internal chamber of the container. The valve permits release ofgaseous media from the internal chamber. The container may define ahinge in an outer wall portion thereof, whereby wall portions adjacentthe hinge are adapted to pivot upon movement of the container to theexpanded condition thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, a liquid reclamation apparatus includesa container, a portable receptacle receivable within the container anddimensioned to accommodate a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oilchange on a vehicle and a cover releasably mounted to the container. Thecover is attached to the portable receptacle whereby removal of thecover from the container causes corresponding removal of the portablereceptacle. The cover is releasably mounted to the container via athreaded connection and may define a dispenser port. The portablereceptacle may include an impermeable bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the oil reclamation apparatus of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the oil reclamation apparatus takenalong the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the container of the oilreclamation apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating side by side assembly of a plurality ofoil reclamation apparatii;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a stacked relation of two oilreclamation apparatii;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the oilreclamation apparatus of the present disclosure in a contracted transitcondition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the oil reclamation apparatus ofFIG. 6 in the contracted condition;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the oil reclamation apparatus of FIG. 6in an expanded in use position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the liquidreclamation apparatus of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid reclamationapparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the portable receptacle of theliquid reclamation apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquidreclamation apparatus illustrating a cover with a bladder seal;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the bladder seal ofthe cover in an unexpanded condition;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view similar to the view of FIG. 13illustrating the bladder seal of the cover in an expanded conditionsecured to the container in fluid tight relation therewith; and

FIG. 15 is side plan view of an alternate receptacle for use with theliquid reclamation apparatus.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The liquid reclamation system and apparatus of the present disclosureprovides the vehicle owner with a viable option when changing the oil inhis/her car. Within the empty container of the apparatus, there may be areceptacle of new oil. This receptacle is removed from the container andthe used oil may be drained into the container. Once the used oil isdrained from the automobile and into the container, the new oil withinthe receptacle is emptied into the car. Then, the empty receptacle maybe placed inside of the container with the used oil and the apparatus issealed. The container may be configured to include a recessed bottomallowing for one container to be stacked on top of another. Furthermore,the containers may contain connective slots along the side, so that onecontainer may be secured to an adjacent container. This horizontal andvertical connectivity facilitates storage and transport of a largenumber of apparatii 100, e.g., on a grate.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identifyidentical or substantially similar parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the oil reclamation apparatus 100 of the presentdisclosure. Oil reclamation apparatus 100 includes container 102dimensioned to receive and transport a liquid, e.g., oil. Container 102has recessed bottom 104 which permits stacking of a plurality ofapparatii 100 as will be discussed. Container 102 may define any shapein cross-section including circular, elliptical or polygonal. In onepreferred embodiment, container 102 defines an octagonal shape having aplurality of interconnecting sides 106 a-h. Other dimensions are alsoenvisioned. Container 102 may be constructed of a variety of differentmaterials including but not limited to polymeric and metallic materials.

Each container 102 may house portable receptacle 108 which is configuredto fit within container 102 and is dimensioned to hold a liquid.Receptacle 108 includes a dispenser 110 to ease fluid transfer.Receptacle 108 may be any device capable of storing and dispensingfluid. In one embodiment, receptacle 108 is a polymeric bag filled withfluid oil “o” (see FIG. 1). Preferably, receptacle 108 is capable ofaccommodating a volume of liquid, e.g., five or six quarts, sufficientto perform an oil change on a vehicle. Other containers, cans, boxes,etc. are also envisioned. Dispenser 110 may be a spout or the likeadapted for dispensing of oil. Dispenser 110 could be funnel orcone-shaped defining an internal lumen to permit the oil to bedispensed. Dispenser 110 may incorporate a one way valve. Other spouts,caps, nozzles etc. are also envisioned.

Container 102 may further include attachment rails 112 on at least twosides of the container 102 and attachment grooves 114 on another twosides. Attachment rails 112 of one container 102 are dimensioned to bereceived within attachment grooves 114 of an adjacent container 102 tofacilitate storage and/or transport of a number of apparatii 100 in sideby side relation. FIG. 4 illustrates several apparatii 100 stored inside by side relation with attachment rails 112 of one apparatii 100being received within attachment grooves 114 of a second adjacentapparatii 100. Attachment rails 112 and grooves 114 may have a varietyof configurations. In one preferred embodiment, the cross-sectionaldimension of attachments rail 112 is generally t-shaped for receptionwithin a correspondingly dimensioned t-shaped groove 114. Other shapesare also envisioned.

Container 102 may further include cover 116. Cover 116 may be detachablysecured about rim 118 of container 102 by any means including threadedmeans, bayonet coupling, interference fit, etc. Cover 116 and rim 118are dimensioned to be accommodated within recessed portion 104 of anadjacent stacked container 102 so as to interlock via a friction orinterference fit with the recessed bottom 104 of container 102 therebyfacilitating stacking of a large number of apparatii 100. FIG. 5illustrates a stacked relation of two apparatii 100.

The side by side connectability of adjacent apparatii 100 as provided byattachment rails and grooves 112, 114 and the stacking capability asprovided by the reception of cover 116 and rim 118 within recess 104substantially improves storage and transport of a large number ofapparatii 100. Moreover, the side by side and vertical connectingfeatures permits for a large number of apparatii to be stored and/ortransported on, e.g., a grid. The grid may be lifted in unison by aforklift or other machine and loaded onto a transport vehicle as asingle unit.

The operation of the liquid reclamation apparatus 100 of the presentdisclosure will now be discussed in the context of automobile engine oilreplacement. Cover 116 is removed from container 102 and portablereceptacle 108 is removed. Container 102 is placed underneath theautomobile and the waste oil is drained into container 102. Portablereceptacle 108 containing a fresh supply of oil is dispensed throughdispenser 110 into the automobile, replacing the oil which was justdrained. Portable receptacle 108, once emptied, may then be placedinside of container 102 with the waste oil. Cover 116 may then besecured to container 102 locking the waste oil and used portablereceptacle 108 therein. Once secured, container 102 may be transportedto a recycling facility for proper disposal.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the present disclosurewill be discussed. Liquid reclamation apparatus 200 includes container202. Container 202 is preferably fabricated from a flexible membranesuch as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., which permits the container202 to expand from the collapsed transit condition shown in FIGS. 6-7 tothe expanded in use condition shown in FIG. 8. In one preferredembodiment, container 202 defines medial hinge line 204 about which themembrane portions 205 adjacent and intersecting the hinge line 204 pivotto assume the expanded condition of FIG. 8. Preferably, the thickness ofmembrane portions 205 of container 202 increases or is greatest adjacenthinge line 204 to ensure that the container 202 remains in the expandedin use condition once it is deployed. It is also envisioned that themembrane may incorporate reinforcing structure such as strips of rigidpolymeric material adjacent hinge line 204 to increase stability uponexpansion of container 202. One skilled in the art may readily determinethe dimensioning and material selection required to accomplish thisobjective.

Container 202 further includes upper and lower housing components 208,210 disposed within an internal chamber of container 202. Upper andlower housing components 208, 210 may be fabricated from a polymericmaterial or the like and are preferably embedded, integrally formed orattached to container 202 by conventional means. Upper housing component208 incorporates cap or cover 212 which is releasably mounted to thehousing component 208. In one preferred embodiment, cap 212 and upperhousing component 208 incorporate cooperating threads 214, 216 toestablish the releasable attachment of the cap 212 to the housingcomponent 208. Other connection arrangements are also envisionedincluding bayonet coupling, interference fit, etc. Cap 212 incorporateshandle 218 which facilitates expansion of container 202 to the expandedcondition by providing a means upon which the operator may grasp andexpand the container 202. Handle 218 is preferably recessed within cap212 so as to not extend beyond the outer boundary of container 202. Itis envisioned that lower housing component 210 may incorporate a handle.Cap 212 further incorporates check valve 220 in fluid communication withthe internal chamber of container 202. Check valve 220 permits theinflow of air into the container 202 so as to maintain the expandedcondition of the container 202 while preventing the exit of air from thecontainer 202. Check valve 220 may also be adapted to prevent the flowof oil from container 202 subsequent to performing the oil change.

Preferably, container 202 is shipped in the compressed condition ofFIGS. 6-7 prior to use. As appreciated, multiple apparatii 200 may bepackaged in its compressed condition into a single package, e.g., instacked relation. Container 202 may or may not be provided with oilreceptacle having a supply of oil sufficient to perform an oil change.In use by an operator, container 202 is expanded from the transitcondition of FIGS. 6-7 to the expanded condition of FIG. 8. Cap 212 isremoved and the used oil is drained from the vehicle into container 202.Upon completion, cap 212 is placed back onto container 202 and securedthereon through the threaded means.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, another embodiment of the presentdisclosure will now be discussed. Liquid reclamation apparatus 300includes container 302 and dispenser cover 304 releasably mounted to thecontainer. Portable flexible receptacle 306 is attached to dispensercover 304 and is disposed within container 302. Receptacle 306 isdimensioned to hold oil. Dispenser cover 304 defines spout 308 to permitdispensing of the oil contained within receptacle 306. Dispenser cover304 may be detachably mounted to container 302 via a threaded connection310. Apparatus 300 further includes cap 312 which is releasably mountedto spout 308 of dispenser cover 304 by conventional means.

In use, apparatus 300 may be purchased full of oil or it may be empty.If full, dispenser cover 304 is unscrewed and the dispenser cover withattached portable receptacle 306 are removed from container 302. Thewaste oil or fluid may then be drained into container 302. Cap 310 isremoved from spout 308 and the oil from the portable receptacle 306 issubsequently emptied into the engine. Once receptacle 306 is emptied,dispenser cover 304 with mounted cap 310 is secured to container 302.Apparatus 300 may then be sent to the proper recycling plant ifrequired.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. Liquid reclamation apparatus 400 includescontainer 402 and cover 404 adapted to be releasably mounted to thecontainer 402. Container 402 is substantially similar to the containersdescribed in the prior embodiments, and reference is made thereto forthe specifics of the container 402. Cover 404 includes internal cap 406and outer circumferential flange 408 disposed radially outwardly fromthe internal flange 406. Outer flange 408 defines a stepped regionconsisting of first transverse wall 410 relative to axis “k” and secondtransverse wall 412 interconnected to the first transverse wall 410through longitudinal wall 414.

As best depicted in FIGS. 13-14, cover 404 also includes pump 416 (notshown in FIG. 12), fluid conduit 418 in fluid communication with thepump 416, and expandable bladder 420 (not visible in FIG. 12). Pump 416may be any suitable manual pump adapted for compression to deliverfluids, e.g., air, into expandable bladder 420 via fluid conduit 418.Fluid conduit 418 is shown schematically; however, it is appreciatedthat fluid conduit 418 may be a tube extending through internal cap 406or through the wall of the internal cap 406.

Expandable bladder 420 may be any suitable balloon member or the likefabricated from an elastomeric or polymeric material. Preferably,expandable bladder 420 is expandable from the initial position depictedin FIG. 13 to the expanded condition of FIG. 14. Expandable bladder 420may be secured to the inner surface of first transverse wall 410 withthe use of cements or adhesives or the like. Other means for attachingexpandable bladder 420 to internal cap 406 are also envisioned.

Cover 404 may further include a check valve 424 in fluid communicationwith pump 416, fluid conduit 418 or expandable bladder 420. Check valve424 preferably serves as a relief valve adapted to ensure that thepressure in expandable member 422 does not exceed a predetermined value.Check valve 424 may also function as a stop or overflow valve where thefluid may be bled. Any suitable valve may be utilized.

The operation of liquid reclamation apparatus 400 will now be discussed.The oil is dispensed in container 402. Cover 404 is positioned overannular port wall 424 of container 404 as shown in FIG. 13. Thereafter,manual pump 416 is actuated by the operator to deliver fluids intoexpandable bladder 420 to cause the expandable bladder 420 to assume theexpanded condition of FIG. 14. As illustrated, expandable bladder 420will expand such that a portion of the expandable bladder 420 engagesthe interior of transverse wall 426 of container 402. In this position,expandable bladder 420 secures cover 404 to container 402. In addition,expandable bladder 420 engages the interior surfaces of annular portwall 424 and transverse wall 426 of container 402 in substantial sealedrelation therewith. Thus, expandable bladder 420 in the expandedcondition of FIG. 14 secures cover 404 to container 402, and also sealsthe interior of the cover 404 relative to the container 402 to preventany release of oil from the container 402.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a receptacle for use withthe oil reclamation apparatus 100. For example, receptacle 500 may besubstituted for receptacle 108 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Receptacle500 includes receptacle member 502, handle 504 at one end of thereceptacle member 502 and dispenser 506 at the other end of thereceptacle member 502. Receptacle member 502 is preferably flexible anddefines a general cylindrical configuration when expanded or filled withoil. Receptacle member 502 is also relatively collapsible when devoid ofoil. Handle 504 provides a means for the user to readily graspreceptacle 500 to assist in dispensing the oil. Handle 504 is preferablysecured to receptacle member by conventional means. In one preferredembodiment, handle 504 is pivotally mounted to receptacle member 502 viapivot pins 508. Handle 504, thus, may pivot downwardly as shown bydirectional arrows toward receptacle member 502 to reduce the overalllength and profile of receptacle 502, thereby, facilitating storagewithin container 102 of the apparatus 500. Handle 504 may also bemonolithically formed with receptacle member 502 and be an extension ofthe receptacle member 502. In this regard, handle 504 may pivot along adriving hinge 510 (see FIG. 15) between the two components. Dispenser506 defines neck 512 and cap 514 which seals the dispenser 506. Cap 514may be secured to neck 512 via conventional means including screwthreads, bayonet coupling, snap fit, frictional fit, etc. In oneembodiment, cap 514 may be secured via a cement or adhesive and removedfrom neck 512 via a tearing action. Alternatively, cap 514 may beconnected to neck 512 along tear line 516 and removed therefrom alongthe tear line. It is also envisioned that dispenser 506 and receptaclemember 502 may be monolithically formed of a suitable polymeric materialand further envisioned that receptacle may be entirely formed as amonolithically single unit.

It will be understood that various modifications and changes in form anddetail may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, theabove description should not be construed as limiting the invention butmerely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Thoseskilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scopeand spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims appendedhereto. Having thus described the invention with the details andparticularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desiredprotected is set forth in the appended claims.

1. An oil reclamation system, which comprises: at least one reclamationapparatus, said reclamation apparatus including a container, a portablereceptacle configured to fit within said container and dimensioned tohold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change on a vehicle,and having a dispenser attached thereto, and a cover releasably securedto said container; an expandable bladder associated with said cover andadapted to expand from an initial condition to an expanded condition tosecure said cover to said container in substantial fluid tight relationtherewith; and a pump positioned adjacent said cover, said pump adaptedto deliver fluids to the expandable bladder to cause expansion to theexpanded condition thereof.
 2. The oil reclamation system according toclaim 1 wherein said portable receptacle includes a flexible bag.
 3. Theoil reclamation system according to claim 1 including threaded means forreleasably securing said cover to said container.
 4. The oil reclamationsystem according to claim 1 including first and second reclamationapparatii connected to each other in side by side relation.
 5. The oilreclamation system according to claim 1 including first and secondreclamation apparatii arranged in vertical stacked relation.
 6. The oilreclamation system according to claim 5 wherein said container of saidfirst reclamation apparatii includes a recessed portion adapted toaccommodate at least said cover of said second reclamation apparatiiwhen in said vertical stacked relation of said first and secondreclamation apparatii.
 7. The oil reclamation system according to claim1 wherein said portable receptacle includes a volume of oil sufficientto perform an oil change on a vehicle.
 8. The oil reclamation systemaccording to claim 1 including an expandable bladder associated withsaid cover and adapted to expand from an initial condition to anexpanded condition to secure said cover to said container in substantialfluid tight relation therewith.
 9. The oil reclamation system accordingto claim 1 wherein said pump is a manually operated pump.
 10. The oilreclamation system according to claim 1 including a relief valve influid communication with said expandable bladder.
 11. An oil reclamationsystem, which comprises: first and second reclamation apparatii, each ofsaid first and second reclamation apparatii including a container, aportable receptacle configured to fit within said container anddimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil changeon a vehicle, and having a dispenser attached thereto, and a coverreleasably secured to said container, said first reclamation apparatusincludes at least one attachment rail adjacent an outer wall portion ofsaid container and said second reclamation apparatus includes at leastone attachment groove adjacent an outer wall portion of said containerfor receiving said at least one attachment rail to connect saidcontainers of said first and second oil reclamation apparatii.
 12. Theoil reclamation system according to claim 11 wherein said firstreclamation apparatus further includes at least one attachment grooveadjacent an outer wall portion of said container and said secondreclamation apparatus includes at least one attachment rail adjacent anouter wall portion of said container.
 13. A system for storage orreclaiming fluid, which comprises: first and second fluid storageapparatii, each of said first and second apparatii including a containerdimensioned to hold fluid, said first apparatus includes an attachmentrail adjacent an outer wall portion of said container and said secondapparatus includes an attachment groove adjacent an outer wall portionof said container for receiving said attachment rail to connect saidcontainers of said first and second apparatii in side by side relation;and a cover releasably secured to said containers of said first andsecond fluid storage apparatii; wherein said first and second apparatiiare further adapted to be arranged in vertical stacked relation, saidcontainer of said first apparatus includes a recessed portion dependinginwardly relative to said first apparatus and being dimensioned andadapted to accommodate at least said cover of said second apparatus whenin said vertical stacked relation of said first and second apparatii.